Most of us live fast-paced lives in the modern world, where we have to negotiate ourselves through excessive noise, to-do lists, distractions and rampant materialism.

Filled with inner peace

There are, however, the spiritual seekers and healers among us who seek a higher purpose in life. A picture that comes to mind is one of monks living modest lives in a monastery – filled with inner peace.

It is nearly impossible to imagine anyone excelling at work, driving a fast car, living in a rooftop apartment and holidaying in Saint Tropez having anything in common with monks in a monastery.

But it might not be impossible . . . One of the sayings of people who teach and practice Transcendental Meditation (TM) is that there is 200% of life to be enjoyed. The first 100% involves taking care of the inner being. Once we learn to be quiet and truly listen and connect to our inner selves, there is no reason that the abundance of the world – which represent the second 100% – can’t be enjoyed as well. It doesn’t have to be an "either or" situation.

Transcendental Meditation is a meditation technique developed by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in the 1950s. It involves two meditation sessions per day (20 minutes each) where a silently intoned mantra is used to quiet the mind.

The regular practice of TM develops a deep connection to the "Self". If the "Self" is fulfilled, and worldly goods aren't needed to fill a gap, it puts one in a position to enjoy all the world has to offer with an exuberance from within – whether it be a movie, a beautiful pair of shoes, a gorgeous home or a lakeside holiday.

There are some very successful people who certainly seem to enjoy the pleasures the world has to offer while fulfilling their need to "go within" by practicing TM regularly.

True happiness lies within

David Lynch says: “I guess people start meditation for many different reasons, but each person who starts will get the benefit they are looking for, and many other benefits as well. I became interested in mediation because I heard a phrase, 'True happiness is not out there. True happiness lies within.' And this phrase had a ring of truth to me, but the phrase doesn’t tell you where the within is, nor how to get there. One day it hit me that meditation would be the way to go within."

David Lynch has been practicing the TM technique for over 40 years, and is bringing Transcendental Meditation to anyone wanting to learn through the David Lynch Foundation – www.davidlynchfoundation.org/

Russell Brand has never shied away from a provocative yet honest comment about pretty much anything. Impulsiveness and a certain type of flamboyant self-destruction have been his trademark for years. However, since he learned the TM technique, his life has gained unforeseen stability. He now begins each day with what himself calls "a shower for the brain". He says about his daily sessions of meditation and yoga: “It changes consciousness and it’s really good if you’ve had addiction issues. It’s highly psychological, and very beautiful, and overwhelming, and real, and triply!"

Gisele Bundchen share her formula for blending success with inner peace and harmony with the Brazilian Edition of Glamour Magazine: “I practice Transcendental Meditation twice a day. Every morning and lunchtime or evening, for about 20 minutes."

Hugh Jackman learned the technique of Transcendental Meditation in 1994 when studying in Perth, Australia. According to the hunk, the main practical, tangible benefit of meditation has been relief from nervous restlessness, bordering on compulsive-obsessive disorder.

Oprah Winfrey says: “I brought Transcendental Meditation teachers into Harpo Studios to teach me and my team how to meditate. Seven of us led to 70, led to 270, and now everyone in the company meditates. Nine o’clock in the morning, and 4:30 in the afternoon; no matter what is going on, we stop and we meditate. And you can’t imagine what has happened in the company. People who used to have migraines don’t. People are sleeping better. People have better relationships. People interact with other people better. It’s been fantastic. So the one thing I want to continue to do is to centre myself everyday, and make that a practice for myself because I am one thousand percent better when I do that, one thousand percent better when I take myself back to something bigger than myself.”

Cameron Diaz said in a recent interview: “I knew there was something there for me, in meditation, but every time I would try to do it, it was like, 'I just cannot meditate!' I learned TM, the Transcendental Meditation technique. And it was exactly what I needed! The thing that blew me away the most about it was that it was the easiest thing I’ve ever done – not the easiest meditation, but the easiest thing I have ever learned. And I learn a lot of things, you know; that’s my job!”

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